Pritzker issues 'stay at home' order. Coronavirus cases hit 585 in Illinois

ILLINOIS - Gov. J.B. Pritzker announced a stay at home order at his Friday briefing on COVID-19 that would strengthen existing policies asking residents to stay at home when possible.

A total of 163 more cases of the respiratory disease in Illinois was announced, reaching 585. Officials said Thursday that total was 422.

Another person died of the disease, a Cook County resident in her 70s.

"You have a right to the truth because you can bear it," Pritzker said. "My bedrock is to rely on science."

What does 'shelter in place mean?' The village of Oak Park instituted a shelter in place policy effective Friday through April 3 that asks residents to remain in their homes as much as possible with exceptions for essential like shopping for food.

Pritzker has assured residents that necessary services such as grocery stores, pharmacies and gas stations will stay open.

However, on Thursday he warned that school closings may be extended beyond the March 31 date.

California Gov. Gavin Newsom announced a statewide "shelter in place" order on Thursday.